Address Changes: The Importance of Keeping USCIS Informed

All foreign nationals who are in the United States in nonimmigrant status or as permanent residents must notify USCIS of any address changes within 10 days of the change. Fortunately, reporting a new address is very easy. A foreign national must simply complete Form AR-11, which is available at www.uscis.gov[1]. This form can be submitted either electronically or by traditional, regular mail.

We strongly encourage our clients to take the change of address requirement very seriously. There are severe consequences for foreign nationals who fail to notify USCIS of a change of address. In fact, each violation is punishable by a fine of up to $200 and imprisonment for 30 days. In addition, a violation may constitute a ground for removal unless the foreign national establishes that the failure was reasonable, excusable, or was not willful.

In addition to these penalties, failure to provide an updated address may also result in a significant delay in an immigration process if the U.S. Postal Service cannot reach the foreign national at the address on record. Please remember that it is not sufficient to simply file a change of address with the postal service or have mail forwarded. The only way to completely affect a change of address is through USCIS Form AR-11.